Ten Hag insists Man United are the team with the worst schedule in the Premier League this season, but also admits that cannot be used as an excuse for the Tottenham draw.
Just 4 days after playing 120 minutes plus a penalty shootout against Brighton in the FA Cup semi-final, Man United had a stormy march to Spurs. However, the “Red Devils” performed very impressively and took a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Sancho and Rashford in the first half. However, Spurs equalized 2-2 in the second half with goals from Pedro Porro and Son Heung-min.
“We have the worst schedule in the Premier League, that won’t change,” Ten Hag replied when asked if fatigue was a factor in Man United’s slip.
“But you have to accept it. You cannot use it as an excuse. We have enough time to recover, so our players need to be ready. Today they are not ready.
We think playing with 90% is enough. That’s why we lost the ball a lot. And when you’re not doing your job in terms of positions, you have to concede goals.
After the break there is a difference. We lost control because we weren’t safe. Then we got into a war. When you lose head-to-head games, with no possession, no chances, you concede a goal. That’s what happens. Then you need to be satisfied when you get 1 point.
We always have to play at 100%. We have to carry that spirit to every game. I know that the players are not robots and the schedule is tough. But we cannot accept the decline when they play for Man United and put on this shirt.
The key is to give your best. That’s how you prepare and get ready for the game.”